31/12/2025
Townrow Quality Seed Grading Service would like to formally advise you of an operational change that will take effect from the upcoming season.
Jeff Townrow will be stepping down from full-time seed grading operations.
Jeff has been instrumental in the success and reputation of our business over many years.
While he will no longer be operating a seed grader on a full-time basis, he will continue to take bookings and coordinate the seed grading schedule between November and June.
Over the last 3 years we have tried multiple unsuccessful attempts to find a suitable seed grader operator to train and take over from Jeff.
As a result of this change, the business will now operate two high capacity seed graders with two operators, rather than three. Over the off season we have invested in upgrades to the twin steer graders to ensure we are as efficient as possible.
- MINIMUM VOLUME & REQUIREMENTS -
To ensure we can maintain a productive and efficient work schedule moving forward, Townrow Quality Seed Grading Service will apply firm operational minimum average tonnes per variety.
Townrow Quality Seed Grading Service will now operate on a minimum average throughput of 30 tonnes per variety.
Where this minimum is not met, we suggest that customers coordinate with neighbouring or larger growers to source graded seed.
Grading seed from silos into trucks or field bins is the most efficient way to grade seed. It ensures our ability to maintain a constant flow of grain and provide the best graded seed for all growers.
Grading all seed in the one location ensures we can maximise our efficiency. We lose about an hour each time we pack up, change varietities or location.
These policies will allow us to manage seasonal demand effectively, minimise downtime between jobs, and maintain consistent service standards across all grading runs.
Hourly rates may apply for minimum volumes, relocation, return visits or inefficient grading. Hourly and per tonne rates do not include seed treatment charges.
- SEED TESTING & SCHEDULING -
We acknowledge that many customers rely on external seed testing (including germination, purity, and variety testing) before confirming final tonnages.
Delays in receiving test results can significantly restrict our ability to schedule grading, particularly during peak periods.
Customers are strongly encouraged to send seed samples for testing as early as possible and to provide indicative volumes where available.
All grading work is scheduled in order of booking confirmation, with early bookings receiving priority within the seasonal program.
Late confirmation of volumes may compromise our ability to accommodate grading requests within the season.
With only two seed graders operating, we will not have the same flexibility to make return to farm visits as in previous years. Grading all seed in one visit ensures you are not waiting on us to return later in the season to begin sowing.
- OUR COMMITMENT -
These changes are not a reflection of the value we place on our customers.
We sincerely appreciate the support shown to Townrow Quality Seed Grading Service over many years and recognise the role our customers have played in building the business.
The implementation of minimum volume requirements is necessary to ensure the ongoing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of our operations.
We pride ourselves in the quality work that we do.
Our meticulous clean down process is pivotal to ensure the purity of your seed.
Unless instructed otherwise, we will always undertake a full clean down between each grain variety.
As all seed is separated by size and density, there will always be certain instances where we cannot guarantee 100% removal of all contaminants in each seed variety.
- SEED TREATMENTS -
We carry all our seed treatments in bulk tanks on board for maximum efficiency when grading so we are not swapping containers which can run empty then cause the seed treater to stop and to minimise exposure to seed treatments.
All seed treatments are fresh each season and are agitated and strained prior to decanting into our bulk tanks on each seed grader.
All Cruiser 350, P-Pickel and Gaucho we apply is within 3 months of manufacture which helps to minimise blockages in chemical lines and minimise exposure to seed treatments.
Even cleaned grain when augered will create dust. We strongly suggest wearing PPE when angering treated seed and filling air seeders to minimise your exposure to this dust!
Both seed graders have an unfiltered line with the ability to apply trace elements such as zinc. These unfiltered lines are not for seed treatments.
If you have any questions regarding bookings, scheduling, or the application of this policy, please contact Jeff on 0428 584 309 during the booking period.
We thank you for your understanding and continued support.
PLEASE NOTE - we have new bank details moving forward.
Financial Institution: NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED
Account Name: BELVIE PTY LTD
BSB: 083 543
Account Number: 809 416 713
Kind regards,
Clay Townrow
Townrow Quality Seed Grading Service
